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Mason grumbled, but lifted himself off me and helped me up. We grabbed our stuff and headed back toward the beach house.

  Halfway there, I felt a sting on my behind. Jumping, I turned around to see Mason smirking. He had smacked my ass! Guys were unbelievable. I glared at him and kept walking.

  It had been a great day at the beach. I hadn’t had this much fun in forever. True friends and fun times were hard to come by nowadays, and I was thankful to have both in my life this summer.

  AFTER MUCH CAREFUL debating, Elena and I decided that it would be fitting if I wore the navy blue sundress from our first date. Just the thought of Mason kissing me in the rain gave me shivers, but in a good way. He was more than I ever could have hoped for this summer.

  Mason accepted me, flaws and all. He took my unluckiness in stride and never made me feel like a screw-up. He’d witnessed me at my best and my worst. The guy was definitely a knight in shining armor.

  “I know that faraway look. You’re thinking about Mason again, aren’t you?”

  Elena had caught me red-handed. I nodded and she grinned.

  “So, Tate and I will be gone tonight. It’s our gift to you guys. You deserve to have your dream date, Lexi May. Spend the evening with him, see where it leads. He really is perfect for you. Let him make tonight perfect. Don’t even think about arguing with me either.”

  It was a selfless act she was doing and I couldn’t love her more for it. “Thanks, I think tonight’s the night.”

  Elena perked up. “You are in for pleasure you’ve never known, unless he sucks at it,” she giggled. “Seriously, it will hurt for a minute, but what happens after that is amazing.”

  “Thanks for the birds and the bees talk, Elena, but I think I’m good. Yes, tonight is the night, I hope. It would have been last night, but I was way too drunk for him to consent. He didn’t want to ‘take advantage of me,’” I said, using air quotes on that last part.

  I was finally ready. She spun me around, making sure I hadn’t missed anything. Satisfied, she commented, “You look hot! Mason’s a lucky man. You two will have a great night.”

  With a grin, I headed for the door, grasping the doorknob. This was it. My heart raced. After taking a steady breath, I entered the living room.

  Mason stood in front of the back door, the sun setting in oranges and reds behind him. He was gorgeous. His messy brown hair was styled to perfection and he was in jeans and nice black Polo. My eyes roved over him until they stopped when they reached his face.

  His eyes were a brilliant shade of emerald tonight. I couldn’t help but stare into the green pools. I never broke eye contact as I approached him.

  As soon as I reached Mason, he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me in for a bone-melting, spine-tingling kiss. Instinct and desire took over and I wrapped my arms around his neck, trying to get closer. We were breathless by the time he pulled away.

  WOW! Yeah, that was just wow! Mason did things to me that no one else could ever do. I had a feeling no one was going to compare to him after tonight. He was perfect; well, at least for me.

  “You look sexy as hell tonight, Lexi.”

  I didn’t miss the heated look he gave me and it made me want to say just forget it to the date and let him take me right here and now. Down, girl. I had to get control of myself.

  “Thanks, you don’t look so bad yourself. So, what am I in for?”

  He smiled and motioned for my hand. I put it in his and he tugged me forward, opening the back door, not saying a word. Anticipation built inside me. His silence only intrigued me more.

  I was glad my feet donned sandals and not heels as Mason led me down the walkway and toward the sandy beach. When we got close enough, I gasped.

  “Do you like it?” he asked.

  “I love it. When did you have time to do all of this?”

  “It doesn’t take me nearly as long to get ready, you know. There was plenty of time.”

  I looked all around us in awe. There was a table in the middle of the beach, with trays of food and a bouquet of flowers on it. Then I saw all the glowing lanterns all around us. There were dozens of them illuminating the space.

  This was the single most romantic thing anyone had ever done in my entire life. Years of dates with Jameson couldn’t even live up to this one single moment.

  “This is so romantic, Mason!”

  He took me in his arms once more, cupping my face in his hands, kissing me as if I was his most cherished treasure. I returned the kisses, long and slow, taking my time. Waves crashed in the background, making everything about this date perfect.

  Finally, before we could get too wrapped up in things, he led me to the table and helped me into the chair. It was a little uneven in the sand, but I was too giddy to care. I waited until he sat down before I asked the single most burning question that was invading my mind.

  “Why would you go through all this trouble for me?”

  Mason looked me straight in the eyes when he responded. There was no hesitation. “I did this because you deserve it and much more. You’re very special, Lexi, and no matter what happens after tonight, I want you to have this memory of us to hold onto.”

  “That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. You truly are my knight in shining armor.”

  His smile brightened. “I hope you always remember me that way.”

  Despite the sadness in his words, I felt like this was a fairytale. The denial of the situation we were in and how there was no way to make this work was in full force. My mind blanked and I thought of nothing but Mason and this moment in time with him.

  We spent our time feeding each other and laughing. It was the perfect dinner. Mason and I kept it lighthearted and fun. Soon, the sun was gone and we were lit by the lanterns and glistening moonlight over the ocean.

  “Let’s go for a walk on the beach,” he suggested.

  I nodded my approval and put my sandals in one hand as he took hold of the other. We eased into a comfortable silence as we walked down the beach and away from our romantic locale.

  With the moonlight casting a luminous glow over Mason, he took my breath away. How lucky was I? This man next to me was someone who only existed in dreams and romantic movies. I was getting to experience the one night most women would never have.

  A few minutes into our walk, Mason stopped me and came around until we were face to face. I looked up at him and saw the adoration in his eyes. I wanted to liquefy into a puddle of goo right then and there.

  We kissed feverishly until every nerve ending in my body tingled and I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. He nipped at my lips and I gently wound my tongue around his in a gentle rhythm. I sighed in satisfaction, which only caused him to throw flames into the kiss that excited me even more.

  When Mason finally pulled away from me, I felt so many sensations; most of all, lust. I took a deep breath and asked the one question that would change things for me forever.

  “Would you like to go inside with me?”

  His eyes lit up and he kissed the shell of my ear, eliciting goose bumps from the contact before whispering, “Absolutely, Lexi.”

  Then he swooped down and picked me up effortlessly. I felt like all the air had been sucked out of my lungs as his hands cradled me close. I could feel his skin brushing that spot where my dress ended and my bare legs began.

  I was buzzing in anticipation as we reached the beach house. The back door was cracked open, luckily, and Mason continued into the kitchen and through the rest of the house.

  I thought he would put me down, but he didn’t. Mason didn’t waste any time carrying me into my bedroom. He made sure to lock the door behind him.

  He only asked once, but his request for permission earned my respect.

  “Are you sure, Lexi?”

  It felt right, and I didn’t even have to think twice. “Yes,” I replied in a whisper.

  He set me down gently and then positioned himself on top of me. Even through my clothes, I could feel his desire. I wanted him w
ith a need that coursed through me like wildfire. I’d never wanted anything, or anyone, so badly in my life.

  Making the first move, I made haste of pulling his shirt over his head. I ran my hands up his body, feeling the corded muscles that strained under my touch.

  Soon, my dress straps slid from my shoulders and he was kissing his way down my neck until he reached the fabric of my dress.

  Switching gears, he softly ran his hands up my legs, slowing where my dress had bunched up. I felt brave and uninhibited with him. He leaned up and lovingly pulled my dress up until I was in nothing by my matching black lace strapless bra and panties.

  His eyes seemed to darken as his expression turned to one of pure lust. He slipped his hands just behind me, unhooking my bra and dropping it on the floor next to the bed. Things only got more heated from there. It wasn’t until much later that we finally slowed down.

  Mason had given me a gift, the most perfect first time a girl could ask for. This would always be something special to me. It was a memory I would carry for the rest of my life and I didn’t regret a moment of it.

  Eventually, we settled and I pressed against his chest as he wrapped his arms around me. I felt a whole new level of intimacy with him. Being in his arms was heaven. I relaxed into him and was soon fast asleep.

  WHEN I FINALLY came to, I was still wrapped in long, strong arms, pressing me against his warm chest. The daylight filtered in through the curtains and Mason was in my bed. Suddenly I was bombarded with memories of last night and I felt the ache of our deeds.

  My first time had been magical. It was everything I ever hoped it could be and more. For the first time in my life, I had been lucky. Maybe the tables had turned. I finally had hope.

  I risked looking up and found Mason watching me.

  His captivating green eyes bore into mine and I became embarrassed, as I was aware how very naked I was. Without thinking things through, I made sure my body was covered up with the sheet I was currently tucked under and swiftly got up out of bed.

  That was a mistake. In keeping myself covered, I managed to uncover Mason. My mouth hung open and my cheeks burned. He was sexy and, well, very naked. I needed to look away, but my eyes wouldn’t move. It was if I was in a trance, reveling in how incredible his body was. He was standing to attention and last night ran through my thoughts again.

  When I looked up at him, my embarrassment showed. Mason was smiling at me with an amused grin. He got up and pulled me to him, bending low enough to kiss me. Sharing this kiss was different than the passionate ones last night. This one was gentle and imploring.

  I didn’t resist his advances; he was irresistible. Soon, the sheet fell to the floor and suddenly we were both pressed together. It seemed my body was insatiable when it came to Mason.

  We broke apart and he took my hand. As he led me toward the bathroom, I tried not to be self-conscious. There I was, naked as he let himself give me a once over. His satisfaction was evident and I took a step toward him until we were flush against one another once again.

  Our kissing grew out of control and I wanted Mason just as much as last night. Wrapping my hands around his neck and pulling him closer made him growl in satisfaction. It tipped me over the edge and all I could manage to get out between kisses was “more.”

  He stepped away and went to start the shower. I frowned, wondering what I did wrong, when he returned. About to ask him, he must have seen the wheels turning in my head. “Don’t overthink it, Lexi, I want you.”

  Relieved, I nodded and he led me into the shower. The water was warm but not too hot, the perfect temperature as Mason wrapped his arms around my waist.

  Once we were squeaky clean, he shut of the shower and got out before handing me a white fluffy towel. I wrapped it around myself and got out myself. I felt like a new woman, relaxed and at ease.

  I wasn’t as self-conscious as I had been a bit ago and started to fish for clothes. Mason got redressed and I put on my bra, panties, a new pair of frayed jean shorts, and a green tank top.

  Afterwards he waited for me to brush my teeth and put my hair up. When I was finally ready he pulled me in for one last kiss.

  We eventually managed to pull ourselves together and I followed Mason out of the bedroom. I wasn’t ready to face Tate and Elena alone, but Mason needed to get changed. Knowing her, she would make a big deal out of things and that would be another embarrassing moment in my life.

  In the kitchen, they were in the process of making breakfast. My mouth watered at the smell of bacon and coffee. I was focused on the coffee that I didn’t notice my best friend.

  Elena was wearing nothing but Tate’s oversized white T-shirt. My embarrassment knew no bounds as I noticed how see-through it was. You could see her breasts outlined in the thin cotton as well as her curves. I’d seen Elena naked before, but never with a guy in the room.

  A rosy pink filled my cheeks and just down my neck. I wished I could control it. Sometimes it was just as embarrassing as whatever caused it in the first place.

  She smirked when her eyes caught mine. “Good morning, sleeping beauty. We were just making breakfast. Where’s your other half?”

  Trying not to let her get to me, I grabbed myself a cup of coffee and got busy fixing it up. Ignoring her wasn’t working, though.

  Before I had a chance to finish, Elena came up from behind and whirled me around until I was face to face with her. Damn, she wasn’t going to let this go. Let the humiliation ensue.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  “Don’t play coy with me, Lexi May. Where’s Mason? I know he spent the night in your room. His was vacant last night and still was this morning.”

  She raised her eyebrow, waiting. I caved and stared at the ground as I said, “Mason’s getting dressed. He should be down here any minute.”

  Elena didn’t get a chance to question me further though, because Mason entered the kitchen at that moment. He searched until his eyes met mine. He grinned at me and then turned his attention to Elena.

  I stifled a giggle as he picked her up and moved her over so he could get to me. Then he wrapped his arms around me, kissing me softly.

  We were broken apart by Tate and Elena’s woot, woots. It may have ended our moment, but it didn’t stop the desire from burning through me. Gah, Mason was so sexy.

  I turned around and finished fixing my coffee before taking a sip. It was perfect and much needed. I swallowed it down in a few gulps, having cooled it down with a lot of creamer.

  When I sat my cup down, Elena was staring at me. “What, do I have another wardrobe malfunction?” I asked.

  Elena grinned and shook her head no. “Sorry, sweetie, I didn’t mean to stare; you just downed your coffee like really fast. You must be craving the caffeine this morning.”

  She winked at me and I rolled my eyes. Changing the subject, I addressed her. “What are we doing today?”

  “Well, Tate and I were just discussing that. I think we should head home shortly. We want to spend the evening together. Are you guys okay with that?”

  I looked over and Mason was quick to respond. “Sure, I think we could find something to do this evening ourselves.”

  A shiver went through me as I heard his words. He was going to be the death of me and, damn, it was a good way to go.

  After our conversation, we all packed up our stuff. I was already limping into the living room when Mason came down the stairs. He hurried over and took my bag from me.

  “Thanks, I was having trouble getting out of there. The weight was killing me.”

  He placed a slow kiss on my forehead and I grinned. This was heaven. I didn’t look any different when I stared in the mirror earlier, but I sure felt it.

  We were soon broken up by Elena and Tate coming downstairs with their stuff.

  The guys took the time to pack everything into the car for us. I was glad Elena and I weren’t lugging our suitcases around because they were heavy.

  Then, just as quickly as we came, we were gone a
gain. I watched the view behind us in the mirror as the house grew smaller and we moved farther down the road.

  As soon as we got back on the mainland, we pulled over for gas. I decided it was a good time to take care of things, so I excused myself and walked away from them.

  Entering the convenient store, I headed for the restroom. I was practically dancing. I should have gone before we left, but I was too distracted and my head was in the clouds.

  Shoving the door open, all I could do was stare at my surroundings. I was desperate and the restroom was absolutely disgusting. Everything was dirty. It looked like it hadn’t been cleaned after weeks and weeks of public use.

  Sighing, I shut and locked the door. After wiping the toilet seat down the best I could, I covered it in toilet paper and bit the bullet.

  When I was done, I washed my hands only to realize there were no paper towels. Instead, I opted to wipe them on my shorts, leaving them partially dry and good enough.

  I briefly shivered in disgust as I unlocked the door and headed back to the car.

  As soon as I reached the car, Elena’s eyes went wide and then she put her head down and shook it. What on earth did I do now? It wasn’t long before I found out.

  Tate looked over and busted up laughing. I frowned at him, thinking how rude it was to laugh at people.

  “Sorry, Lexi, but you have something stuck to your shoe.”

  Tate wasn’t joking. I looked down and noticed a piece of toilet paper trailing behind me. Crap. I pulled it off and got in the car without another word. My life was bound and determined to be a joke.

  Wisely, no one said anything else and we drove home.

  “HONEY, JAMESON IS at the door for you. Do you want me to let him in?”

  “No, Mom, I’ll be there in just a minute.”

  She was quick to reply. “I’m running to the store, be good.”

  Then the door shut behind her, leaving Jameson on the porch. I needed backup. I needed Elena. There was no way I was dealing with him alone when he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

  My anger over graduation had still not subsided and I more so feared for Jameson. I wasn’t sure I could control my mouth not to say nasty things to him.